Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as Jefferson County public libraries celebrate Teen Read Week™, October 18–24. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year's theme, Read Beyond Reality @ your library®.
Some of the Jefferson County public libraries hope to increase literacy awareness among teens by offering themed programs during Teen Read Week™. The week starts with popcorn and a movie that is "Beyond Reality" at Trussville Library at 4 p.m. on October 19. Hoover Library will go supernatural with a Twilight Movie Night on October 20 at 6 p. m. On October 21 at 3:30 p.m. teens will be watching 1950s Hollywood's idea of the future at the Homewood Library. Mystery Science Theater will be playing at the Emmet O'Neal Library on October 23 at 6:30 p.m. And Springville Road Library will be going sci-fi with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on October 24 at 2 p.m. Although these programs may sound more like fun and less like literacy, each is designed to bring teens into an environment where reading is encouraged and rewarded.
Parents of teens are encouraged to bring Teen Read Week™ home, as well as enjoy the libraries’ events. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Share your favorite book or magazine with your teen.
- Visit a public library with your teen to check out books. Ask the librarian to recommend some titles to your teen – they have lots of ideas and can connect even reluctant readers with books they'll enjoy.
- Try one of the many online book clubs. Facebook's Book Clubs application gives teens a place to discuss books with other teens around the country. Goodreads.com not only has book discussion, but uses social networking to connect readers with authors, gives book recommendations and more.
- Encourage your teen to attend a book club meeting at their library, or start one!
2009 Teens' Top Ten Nominations
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/ttt09.pdf